More U.S. states are joining Ohio in offering financial incentives to encourage citizens to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, in an effort to boost a slow vaccination campaign. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a week ago that five adults who receive the vaccine will each win one million dollars in a lottery launched by the state under the slogan "Vaccinate a Million People."
Maryland also revealed a lottery program yesterday, offering two million dollars to those who receive vaccine doses. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan stated, "The goal is to convince hesitant individuals or those who haven't considered it." About 67% of Maryland residents aged 18 and older have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, according to official figures.
Starting Tuesday, the Maryland lottery will randomly select a person daily from a list of vaccinated individuals, who will win a prize of 40 thousand dollars. There will be 40 drawings over 40 days to select the winner of the 40 thousand dollars, with a final drawing on July 4th, American Independence Day, for a prize of 400 thousand dollars.
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a program offering instant lottery tickets to individuals aged 18 and over who receive the vaccine. Cuomo stated, "We know vaccinations are crucial to eliminate COVID-19 entirely." He added, "This new program will offer greater incentives for New Yorkers to get vaccinated by providing an instant lottery ticket with a potential prize of up to 5 million dollars." About 63% of New Yorkers have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
President Joe Biden has announced a goal to vaccinate at least 70% of Americans by July 4th. However, the vaccination pace has slowed after an initial surge, and local, federal, and state authorities are seeking ways to increase vaccine rates, sometimes collaborating with restaurants and other businesses. Incentives include free beer, donuts, free tickets to baseball games, and savings bonds for those who receive the vaccine.
